Charlotte authorizes $250 million for two LYNX Blue Line projects

Charlotte City Council has authorized $249.8 million for construction of LYNX Blue Line Extension (BLE) and Blue Line Capacity projects.

A $119 million contract covers civil construction for the BLE from Old Concord Road to the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Lane Construction Corporation, the lowest responsive bidder, was awarded the contract. The bid is within the project budget and does not change the anticipated cost of the project, which is $1.16 billion.

Work includes building bridges, arterial roadways and retaining walls, as well as the creation of erosion control, sewer and water main installation and drainage.Traffic signals and traffic control are contained in this contract.

The 9.3-mile BLE extends the LYNX Blue Line light-rail service from Uptown Charlotte to the UNC Charlotte campus and includes 11 light-rail stations and four parking facilities. The line is scheduled to begin operations in Sprig 2017.

The approved $130.8 million for LYNX Blue Line Extension Track and Systems Project and Blue Line Capacity Project involves track and system construction for the BLE at $114 million. Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., was the low bidder and is responsible for the installation of the light-rail track, train control and signal systems, communications systems and overhead catenary and traction power system.

The remaining $16.4 million of this contract will go towards the expansion of platforms and systems on the current LYNX Blue Line. Platforms will be expanded to accommodate three-car trains at the I-485/South Blvd., Stonewall and Seventh Street Stations. Upgrades will also be made to the communications, power, train control and signal systems to run the longer train. The end track at the I-485 station will be extended to store the three-car trains during large ridership special events.